Escape to Iowa's Premier TownePlace Suites: Unwind in Des Moines!
Escape to Iowa's Premier TownePlace Suites: Des Moines - My Completely Unfiltered Take! 🤪
Okay, folks, buckle up, because I just spent a few days at the TownePlace Suites in Des Moines and, well, let's just say it was an experience. This ain't your sanitized, corporate-speak review. This is the real deal. Think less travel brochure, more spilled coffee on the desk. ☕
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- Metadata Description: A brutally honest review of the TownePlace Suites Des Moines, Iowa. We cover everything from accessibility and cleanliness to the free breakfast and that totally necessary steam room. Come for the details, stay for the sarcasm. 😉
First Impressions & Accessibility: Did They Actually Try? 🤔
Driving up, the exterior corridor felt…well, it felt like a classic motel. Not necessarily a bad thing, I kinda dig that vibe. But the crucial part, for me and a lot of other folks, is accessibility. I, thankfully, don't need a wheelchair, but I like to see how inclusive a place actually is. They had facilities for disabled guests, which is excellent. But the real test? Navigating the hallways and lobby. And honestly? It passed. The halls were wide enough, ramps were present where needed, and generally, it felt thoughtful. Kinda like someone actually thought about people with mobility issues! High five, TownePlace! 🙌
Internet: The Lifeblood of the Modern Traveler. (Thank Goodness!) 💻
Alright, let’s talk internet. Because let's face it, in this digital age, a dodgy Wi-Fi connection is a deal-breaker. And guess what? Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms! Hallelujah! I practically lived on the Wi-Fi, streaming a ridiculous amount of cat videos and working remotely. The Internet access - LAN was listed, though I didn't even bother, the wireless was so fast and easy. The Internet services were solid overall. No buffering, no dropped connections. (Thank you, internet gods!)
"Things to Do" & "Ways to Relax": My Quest for Bliss (and maybe a tan?) ☀️
They had a swimming pool, and yeah, it was an outdoor one. I envisioned myself lounging poolside, sipping a questionable cocktail, looking effortlessly cool. The reality? I splashed around for about 15 minutes before getting eaten alive by mosquitos. My tan ambitions were tragically thwarted. 😫 No Poolside bar, sadly. And I didn't even get close to checking out the Fitness center. (Let's just say my definition of "fitness" involves extensive research on the best cheese fries.)
Now, here’s where I get slightly disappointed. The Spa/sauna was listed but it didn't appear on the hotel's information. I should have been thrilled to hear about the Sauna, Steamroom, and Massage options, but they just weren't there. I wanted the whole shebang, not a tease! 😡 I imagined relaxing in the Steamroom, getting a Body scrub and Massage. It was all a dream! 😩
Cleanliness & Safety: Did I Contract Anything? (Thankfully, No!) 🧼
This is crucial these days, right? I'm a germaphobe, so I'm always side-eyeing everything. But I have to give them credit. The room was spotless. Seriously. Individually-wrapped food options at breakfast? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Apparently. They even had Anti-viral cleaning products. I felt relatively safe from the plague, which is a win in my book. Also, the Room sanitization opt-out available was a good thing.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueling the Adventure…or Just the Netflix Binge? 🍔🍳
The Breakfast [buffet] was your standard hotel fare. Breakfast service was the usual, good, not great. I appreciate the gesture, but I'm a breakfast snob. There was Coffee/tea in restaurant (again, standard), and the Coffee shop was there for quick grab-and-go coffee. I went on a Breakfast takeaway service. No Asian cuisine in restaurant available. 😭
The Restaurants are everywhere, but the Poolside bar was a no-go, so there was no sipping margaritas in the sun. The Snack bar came in handy late at night. I didn't even get to try the Desserts in restaurant, so I can't tell you about them. I wanted a Bottle of water and it was there! Side note: they had a machine that provided a Bottle of water and snacks.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (or Annoy!) 🛎️
- Daily housekeeping: My room consistently magically got cleaned when I was gone. (Magic, I tell you!)
- Concierge: They were helpful with directions and suggestions.
- Cash withdrawal: Super convenient.
- Doorman: Wasn't there to welcome us, so this remains unverified.
- Elevator: Crucial for a high-floor room like mine.
- Dry cleaning & Ironing service: I might have used the ironing service. (Shhh, don't tell anyone my travel wardrobe is a disaster.)
- Meeting/banquet facilities: I didn’t use them, but they were there in case I needed to host a secret meeting.
For the Kids: Because Traveling with Tiny Humans is Often Pure Chaos 👶
I didn't have kids with me, but the Family/child friendly rating is good. There was no mention of Babysitting service but was available. There are Kids facilities too.
The Rooms Themselves: My Little Hotel Bunker 🛌
Alright, let's talk about the actual room. It was…fine. Non-smoking rooms? Yes, please. The Air conditioning worked like a charm. The Bed was comfy enough (I’m not that picky). They had a Coffee/tea maker, which is always a win first thing in the morning. They had Blackout curtains, thank the heavens! I'm a light sleeper, so I always appreciate those. There was an Extra long bed and a Refrigerator to keep the drinks cool. The room included Free bottled water a Mirror and a Shower, the essentials. A Desk and a bunch of Slippers added to the comfort. The Seating area was decent. I had a Complimentary tea which was amazing. The Sofa was comfy. The Air conditioning worked and was a lifesaver! They provide the Wake-up service for lazy people like me. They had Free access – wireless for those who don't want the cable. A Window that opens added to my enjoyment.
Cleanliness: The Good, the Bad, and the…Meh?
The Air conditioning worked. Also, the Shower was very nice, but the Toiletries were the usual cheap stuff. I did, however, realize that the Closet was a bit small.
Safety & Security: Trustworthy? 🔒
The Fire extinguisher gave me peace of mind. Likewise, I appreciated the Smoke alarms and the Security [24-hour]. There was also a CCTV in common areas.
Getting Around: Airport and Beyond 🚗
I didn’t use the Airport transfer but the Car park [free of charge] was excellent! Car park [on-site] was there too.
The Verdict: Would I Escape Back to Des Moines? (Possibly…)
Look, the TownePlace Suites in Des Moines isn't perfect. It's not a luxury resort. But it's clean, comfortable, and offers a decent value for money. It's a solid choice for a few days of seeing the sights or, you know, hiding from the world in a room with excellent Wi-Fi. I'd recommend it, with the caveat that you manage your expectations and pack your own spa-worthy goodies. 😉 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Escape to Erie: Fairfield Inn & Suites Millcreek Mall Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re about to embark on… well, my version of a trip to the TownePlace Suites in Des Moines West/Jordan Creek. Consider this less of an itinerary and more of a fever dream in a hotel room.
Day 1: Arrival, Expectations, and the Great Fridge Debacle
1:00 PM (ish): Finally arrived! After a four-hour drive that felt like twelve thanks to a screaming toddler in the back seat who, I swear, demanded snacks every 47 seconds. Found the TownePlace Suites. Looks… clean. That's a good start, I guess. My expectations are… cautiously optimistic. The online photos always lie, don't they?
1:30 PM: Checked in. The front desk person was wearing a name tag with a tiny photo that looked like it was taken in the 80s. Made me feel old. Got the key, which immediately dropped to the floor and I almost lost it. Seriously, me a seasoned traveler? More like a hapless tourist who trips over her own feet.
2:00 PM: Room check. Bingo! It's pretty much what I expected. Beige. Functional. The air conditioning is fighting a losing battle against the Iowa humidity. But -- and this is important -- it has a mini fridge. I'm already envisioning cold beverages.
2:30 PM: THE FRIDGE DEBACLE. Okay, this deserves its own section. I excitedly went to stock it with… well, I had a grand plan for a late-night snack fest. But the fridge? Dead. Utterly, completely, and stubbornly cold-less. Panic started to set in. I'm a woman of simple needs: a cold drink and a fridge that works. I called the front desk. They said they'd send someone up. Sigh. This is not the zen start I was hoping for.
3:00 PM: The maintenance guy arrived, bless his soul. He tinkered. He muttered. He offered a sympathetic glance. Then, the verdict: the fridge was officially on vacation. He promised a new one would be in "as soon as possible." Okay, plan B: the ice bucket. This is not going well.
3:30 PM: Ate a snack I pre-packed just in case… it was okay. But that cold drink… oh, the anticipation.
4:00 PM: Exploration of the hotel. The gym? Looks clean, unused. The pool? Empty and welcoming. Perhaps I'll actually use the pool. A rare occurrence, I tell you.
4:30 PM: The new fridge arrived. Hallelujah! Victory is mine! Cold drinks shall flow, people!
5:00 PM: Went to dinner. The restaurant was crowded, the food was so-so. I'm not going to name names, but let's just say I won't be writing home about the experience. It was an experience. I'll leave it at that.
7:00 PM: Back in the room, cold drink in hand. Now, for some peace and quiet.
8:00 PM: The toddler. He's finally asleep. Thank god.
9:00 PM: Watched a bad movie on TV. It was perfect.
10:00 PM: Bed. Sleep.
Day 2: Jordan Creek, Shopping Spree (and Retail Therapy), and Existential Dread
8:00 AM: Wake up. Actually, the hotel bed was pretty comfy. Bonus points for that. Coffee from the machine downstairs. It was coffee. Barely.
9:00 AM: Headed to Jordan Creek Town Center. Oh boy, shopping! I love shopping. It's practically a spiritual experience. Or, you know, a good excuse to avoid thinking about my taxes.
10:00 AM-1:00 PM: Hours spent wandering the mall. Saw things. Bought things. Had a minor existential crisis in a shoe store. Spent way too much money. Regretted it. But, oh well. Retail therapy is a real thing, people.
1:00 PM: Lunch at a crowded food court. Chicken fingers. They were fine.
2:00 PM: More mall. I think I'm lost in this labyrinth.
3:00 PM: Exhausted, but triumphant. I conquered the mall.
4:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Ate a snack. Stared out the window at the parking lot. Contemplated the meaning of life.
5:00 PM: Decided to swim. Ahhh, the pool. Cool water, quiet. No screaming toddlers in sight. Finally, peace.
6:00 PM: Ordered pizza. Ate it in the room, in my pajamas. Living the dream.
7:00 PM: Watched more bad TV. The world outside my window and this screen? Who needs it?
8:00 PM: Bed. Sleep. (Repeat as needed).
Day 3: Departure, Regrets, and the Promise of Home
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Pack. Regret the shopping spree.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. Said goodbye to the front desk person with the 80s photo.
- 9:30 AM: Ate a snack. The snacks were definitely the best part of this trip.
- 10:00 AM: Begin the (still quite long) drive home.
- 10 AM (ish): Ate another snack. Realized I'd left my favorite book in the room.
- 12:00 PM: (ish) Stop for lunch.
- 1:00 PM (ish): Cried a little bit. Not because of the trip. Just because… well, you know. Life.
- 1:30 PM (ish): Arrived home. The house is messy. Laundry is calling. Ah, home. So good to be back sometimes.
Final Thoughts:
Would I recommend this trip? That depends. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Was it memorable? You bet. Did I need it? Probably. Des Moines, you were… well, you were Des Moines. And the TownePlace Suites? It was a place to sleep, eat snacks, and avoid the world for a few glorious days. And sometimes, that's exactly what a person needs. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a fridge to unpack. And a whole lot of laundry to fold.
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Escape to Iowa's Premier TownePlace Suites: Unwind in Des Moines! - Let's Tackle This (Probably Messily)
Okay, So, TownePlace Suites in Des Moines... Why Should *I* Care? Like, Seriously?
Alright, alright, settle down there, Captain Grumblepants. Look, Des Moines isn't exactly... Paris, you know? But it's a decent place, and this TownePlace Suites? It's surprisingly alright. Honestly, I've stayed in some hotels that felt like they were actively *trying* to give me a fungal infection. *This* place? It's clean-ish, the beds are comfy (a HUGE deal, believe me, my back is NOT a fan of cheap mattresses), and the free breakfast? Well, it's free breakfast, folks. Don't go expecting Michelin-star cuisine, but the waffles are... adequate. And sometimes, you just *need* those sad little breakfast sausage patties to feel like you're winning at life, you know?
Plus, the whole "suite" thing is kinda nice. More space! A little kitchenette! You can actually, like, eat a bowl of cereal in your pajamas without feeling judged by the entire hotel staff. That’s a win in my book. Especially after a long day trying to navigate Des Moines traffic (which, I swear, is designed by sadists).
Is Des Moines Even Worth Visiting in the First Place? Be Honest!
Okay, *now* you're hitting me where I live. Des Moines... it depends *why* you're going. Like, if you're expecting Vegas, you're gonna be sorely disappointed. But! There's the Des Moines Art Center (actually pretty cool), some decent restaurants (check out HoQ - their burgers are legendary!), and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park (free art! Always a plus!). It's not the most *exciting* city in the world, but it's got a certain... charm. A quiet, slightly beige charm.
And if you're there for business? Or visiting family? Or just… escaping your own life for a few days? Then yeah, absolutely, Des Moines and the TownePlace Suites can work for you. Just… manage your expectations. Don't go expecting fireworks, you'll get a solid, comfortable, and generally pleasant stay. That’s a pretty good foundation, right?
The Suite Life: What's *Actually* Inside These Suites? Don't Lie to Me.
Okay, truth time. They're… standard. Let's just get that out there. The rooms are generally clean, the beds are pretty good (as mentioned, a BIG deal), and you get a little kitchenette with a mini-fridge, microwave, and sometimes a stovetop (though I wouldn’t bet my life on the cleanliness of that stovetop, let's be real). You get a desk, a TV (with, you know, cable), and a sofa that’s usually seen better days, but is comfy enough for collapsing on after a long day.
I stayed in one room that had a window facing… the parking lot. Romantic? Not exactly. But hey, at least I could see if my car was still there. And another time, the air conditioning was a bit… enthusiastic, shall we say? I woke up in the middle of the night freezing, despite the fact that it was, like, ninety degrees outside. But hey, it's all part of the adventure, right? (Right?…)
Seriously, don't expect luxury… it's TownePlace Suites, not the Ritz. But it’s definitely better than some budget hotels I've seen. The space is a HUGE plus. I'm a messy person. Seriously messy. So the ability to keep my mess somewhat contained is *critical* for my sanity. And that kitchenette? Essential for making coffee at 6 AM when the hotel breakfast isn't out yet.
About That Free Breakfast... Spill the Beans! What's the *REAL* Deal?
Okay, the free breakfast: the heart of any budget traveler’s existence. And listen, it's… adequate. There are the waffles (you can make your own, which is always a fun, albeit slightly messy, experience), some kind of cold cereal (Frosted Flakes are a staple, if I recall correctly), yogurt (often with a suspicious layer of… something… on the top), bagels and toast (usually with a decent toaster, thank God), and the aforementioned sad little breakfast sausage patties. Sometimes, there are even scrambled eggs that look suspiciously like they came from a carton, but hey, protein is protein, right?
The coffee is… well, it's coffee. Don’t expect artisanal brewing. But it’s hot, and it has caffeine, and sometimes, that’s all that matters. However, one time, the coffee *tasted* like it was brewed in the same pot as the cleaner they used the night before. I’m not kidding. I took *one* sip, and I nearly choked. I think they fixed it by the next morning. Moral of the story: check your coffee before you chug. And always bring your own emergency stash of good coffee. Always.
What About the Amenities? Pool? Fitness Center? Laundry? *What's* the Sitch?
Alright, let's break it down. The TownePlace Suites in Des Moines typically has the basics. There's usually a pool. It's generally… clean-ish. I've seen worse, I've seen better. It's a good way to unwind after a long day. The fitness center? Standard hotel gym fare. A few treadmills, some weights, maybe a elliptical. Don't expect a full-blown CrossFit gym. Works in a pinch. Can't complain, gets the heart rate up, which is good because the waffles, you know?
And the laundry? Yes, they usually have a laundry room. Which is a godsend for longer stays. Because, let’s be honest again, who wants to pack a suitcase full of dirty clothes when you travel? The one time I used the laundry, the dryer took *forever*. And then, when it finally *did* dry my clothes, it shrunk my favorite t-shirt. I'm still mourning the loss. So, yeah, use the laundry at your own risk. And maybe set a timer.
Location, Location, Location! Is This Place Conveniently Located?
Okay, location is *key*, right? The TownePlace Suites in Des Moines, the ones I've been to, are usually… alright. They're often a little bit outside of the *immediate* downtown core, but that usually means easier access to the highway. Which is a HUGE plus considering how Des Moines traffic can be, sometimes.
They're usually close to some restaurants and stores. But don't expect to walk everywhere. You'll probably need a car, or at least a rideshare service. One time, I was stuck without a car,Coastal Inns
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